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Question 7
Pelagius’ examples (Abigail still called Nabal’s wife, Matthew still called a tax collector, Luke the physician, Rahab the harlot) are used to show Scripture may keep old labels after someone’s life changes; how does that idea affect the way Christians should think about identity, reputation, and the labels we continue to carry—even after repentance?
Another way to ask: Pelagius says Scripture sometimes keeps old labels even after someone changes. How should that shape how Christians think about identity and reputation, especially when someone has repented but the label still sticks?

Direct Answer The transcript suggests that old labels can persist as descriptions even after real change, so Christians should not assume that a past title defines a person’s present spiritual state, yet they also shouldn’t be surprised if reputations and identifiers linger.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot cites Pelagius to explain Erastus: Paul may refer to “the former steward as the steward.”
  • Pelagius’ examples show Scripture keeping prior identifiers: Abigail still called “the wife of Nabal” even after marrying David.
  • Matthew is still labeled “the Tax Collector,” though “Matthew was no longer a tax collector when Jesus appointed him.”
  • Luke is called “the beloved physician,” though he “certainly was not maintaining a medical practice while he was traveling with Paul.”
  • Rahab is “nearly always referred to as Rahab the harlot,” though she “gave up harlotry when she came to faith.”
Discussion Follow-ups How can a church speak truthfully about someone’s past without trapping them there? What would it look like to honor repentance while refusing to rewrite history?

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